check engine DODGE AVENGER 2013 2.G Owner's Manual

Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed, and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
Cooling System – Drain, Flush, And Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains visible
sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and flush with
OAT coolant (antifreeze) (conforming to MS-12106).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) en-
gine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine
damage and may decrease corrosion protection.
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 445

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pres-
sure to build up in the cooling system. To prevent
scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child or pet, seek
emergency assistance immediately. Clean up any ground
spills immediately.
Coolant Level
Four-Cylinder Engines –
the coolant bottle provides a
quick visual method for determining that the engine
coolant (antifreeze) level is adequate. With the engine
idling and warm to normal operating temperature, the
level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle
should be between the “ADD” and “FULL” lines, shown
on the bottle.
Six-Cylinder Engines – the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the pressurized coolant bottle should be
between the “COLD” and “FULL” range on the bottle
when the engine is cold.
448 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing cool-
ant. Advise your service attendant of this. As long as the
engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant
bottle need only be checked once a month. When addi-
tional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to maintain
the proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle.
Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator. If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•
Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
• Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
a minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS-12106) and distilled water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 449

•Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emis-
sions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
450 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!(Continued)
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid
leaks. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check – Four-Speed Transmission
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least
60 seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest
of this procedure.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake pedal.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 453

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by refer-
ring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
8
M A I
N T
E
N
A
N
C E
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S478 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.
8
M
A I
N T
E
N
A
N
C E
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 479

Automatic Transmission....................303
Adding Fluid ......................... .453
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................456
Fluid Level Check ...................... .453
Fluid Type ........................... .452
Gear Ranges .......................... .306
Special Additives ...................... .453
Autostick .............................. .321
Auto Unlock, Doors ........................34
Auto Up Power Windows ....................38
Battery ................................ .435
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........27
Location ............................. .435
Belts, Seat ...............................98
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................440
B-Pillar Location ......................... .345
Brake Assist System ...................... .334
Brake, Parking .......................... .328Brake System
........................... .450
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .330
Fluid Check .......................... .450
Master Cylinder ....................... .450
Parking ............................. .328
Warning Light ........................ .216
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................305
Bulb Replacement ........................ .468
Bulbs, Light ............................ .101
Calibration, Compass ..................... .235
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........22
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .474
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ .379
Oil (Engine) .......................... .425
Power Steering ........................ .327
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................447
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...................97
10
INDEX 499

Car Washes............................ .457
Cellular Phone ...........................112
Certification Label ........................ .381
Chains, Tire ............................ .360
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .400
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .340
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .428
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............97
Checks, Safety ............................97
Child Restraint ............................76
Child Safety Locks .........................35
Cigar Lighter ........................... .198
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .371
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .458
Climate Control ......................... .278
Clock ................................. .244
Cold Weather Operation ....................300
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ..............277Compact Spare Tire
....................... .354
Compass .............................. .227
Compass Calibration ...................... .235
Compass Variance ........................ .235
Computer, Trip/Travel ......................22
Connector UCI................................ .268
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ..........268
Console ............................... .162
Console, Floor .......................... .162
Contract, Service ......................... .490
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........447
Cooling System .......................... .444
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ...............446
Coolant Capacity ...................... .474
Coolant Level ......................... .445
Disposal of Used Coolant .................448
Drain, Flush, and Refill ...................445
Inspection ........................... .448
500 INDEX

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..............335
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......229
Emergency, In Case of Jacking .............................. .400
Jump Starting ......................... .412
Towing ............................. .419
Emergency Trunk Release ....................42
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........428
Engine ................................ .425
Air Cleaner .......................... .434
Block Heater ......................... .302
Break-In Recommendations .................96
Checking Oil Level ..................... .431
Compartment ......................... .426
Compartment Identification ................426
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................445
Cooling ............................. .444
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................97
Fails to Start .......................... .300Flooded, Starting
...................... .300
Fuel Requirements ..................... .370
Jump Starting ......................... .412
Oil................................. .431
Oil Change Interval ..................... .219
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .425
Oil Selection .......................... .432
Oil Synthetic ......................... .433
Overheating .......................... .398
Starting ............................. .298
Temperature Gauge ..................... .213
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .433
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................433
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............71
Entry System, Illuminated ....................22
Ethanol ............................... .371
Event Data Recorder ........................74
Exhaust Gas Caution ........................97
502 INDEX